As we close out 2021 and prepare to welcome a new year, it’s important to take time this holiday season to celebrate and reflect. Although it’s easy to get frustrated, sad, and even angry over the pandemic and the current state of the world, it’s essential to remember how far we’ve come since last year at this time as the first doses of the vaccine were rolling off the trucks — awaited by millions eager to finally put the pandemic behind them.
Your hospital employees — everyone from those on the front lines to support staff — were there to assist in those efforts, leading the way in delivering mass COVID-19 vaccinations to the community while continuing to provide lifesaving care to all who needed it. And at the same time as the much-awaited vaccine brought so much hope to the state, a workforce shortage — the likes of which hasn’t been seen in recent memory — has taken a heavy toll on front-line health care workers. Many have reached their breaking point and have chosen to leave the profession altogether.
But so many have not.
They stepped up when patients and communities needed them most — even when it involved personal sacrifice. Day in and day out, they chose to take care of others during times of crisis and deserve our deepest appreciation and gratitude every day of the year. Though the challenges of COVID-19 are ongoing and may often feel unrelenting, when faced with the most formidable obstacles, you continue to put patients first.
Looking ahead to 2022, it’s safe to say that, while no one is certain what the new year holds, I know that despite whatever challenges lie ahead, we will weather the storm. As you have shown throughout the past two years, your resilience and determination are unmatched, even under the toughest of circumstances.
Happy holidays and happy new year!